What does dignity mean for people with disability? A review of the research

First published online 24 January 2024.

Why this study was done

Dignity is a powerful concept. It’s about feeling respected, valued, and treated as a full human being. For people with disabilities, dignity is especially important because they often face discrimination, exclusion, and barriers in everyday life. While many policies and healthcare strategies talk about dignity, there’s no clear, shared definition of what it means, especially from the perspective of people with disabilities themselves. This study set out to explore:

• How dignity is defined in research involving people with disabilities.
• Whether people with disabilities have been actively involved in shaping those definitions.

What the study did

The researchers reviewed 22 academic studies published between 2012 and 2023 that focused on dignity and disability. They looked at:

• How each study defined dignity.
• Whether people with disabilities were involved in the research process (beyond just being participants).

They also made sure to include a researcher with lived experience of disability in their own team to ensure the review was inclusive and grounded in real-world perspectives.

What the study found

No Clear Definition of Dignity.

• Most studies tried to define dignity, but there was no agreement on what it means.
• Definitions varied widely. Some focused on respect, others on independence, self-worth, or cultural values.
• Many studies took a utilitarian approach, meaning they defined dignity based on what people could do or access (like having privacy, being treated with respect, or having control over decisions).

Lack of Inclusive Research.

• None of the studies involved people with disabilities in designing or conducting the research.
• People with disabilities were only participants, not partners or co-researchers.
• This lack of inclusion means the definitions of dignity may not fully reflect the lived experiences of people with disabilities.

What this means

Dignity is deeply personal and complex, especially for people with disabilities. To truly understand and protect it, we need to listen to those with lived experience and include them in shaping the research, policies, and practices that affect their lives.

For Research:

• Future studies should involve people with disabilities as equal partners in the research process.
• Inclusive research methods (like co-design and participatory research) can lead to more meaningful and accurate definitions of dignity.

For Practice:

• Healthcare providers and rehabilitation professionals should focus on creating environments that support dignity—through better communication, respect, and accessibility.
• Dignity should be considered not just in healthcare, but in all areas of life: education, employment, housing, and community participation.

For Policy:

• A clear, inclusive definition of dignity can help shape better laws, services, and supports for people with disabilities.
• Policies should be grounded in the real experiences and voices of people with disabilities—not just expert opinions.

This study was conducted by:

Dr. Kelsey Chapman, Angel Dixon OAM, Prof. Elizabeth Kendall & Dr. Kelly Clanchy

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Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone and clarity and approved by the author.